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Ben Harper — When It's Good
Album: Diamonds On the Inside
Avg rating:
6.9

Your rating:
Total ratings: 2388









Released: 2003
Length: 2:58
Plays (last 30 days): 5
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You're a prison
I can't escape
You're a decision
I never make
heard me laughing
you heard me weep and moan

(chorus)
When its good
its so so good
when its gone
its gone

they say time will
kill the pain
i say pain is going kill my time
lord wont u save me
or leave me alone

(chorus)

i hang your picture
above my mind
don't do anything
you cant deny
i could never
be your pawn

(chorus)

some drink to remember
some to forget
some for satisfaction
some to regret
i hope a brighter
day to you I've shown

(chorus)
Comments (100)add comment
Never considered myself a huge Ben Harper fan but always appreciated his music.  He came to my local venue, the Bellyup Tavern, and he really impressed me - seeing him in person.  The dude is absolutely dripping in talent.
Posted 3 weeks ago by SurfDoc    [ Reply ]
I have seen Ben Harper so many times live and with several bands and always loved it 
Posted 1 year ago by walter.lucchesi    [ Reply ]
 drH wrote:

derivative, derivative, derivative



Try writing a novel! (I have a tin ear!!!)  You want to do something new, of course. Then you hit the Wall - EVERYTHING is derivative. Tropes of your best ideas abound. 100's of years, people have been writing your ideas... so then you realise as you mature, it is your job to be entertaining at least, and ironic at best. But not new. Only derivative. 

P.S. Entertaining pays the bills.
Posted 1 year ago by tnt_thomas    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 

she's not feeling well after swallowing a few diamonds
Posted 3 years ago by joanferva    [ Reply ]
 Otomi wrote:
Of five excellent replies to Shasha2001's post, I vote for joelbb's.


 

I just saw this.  thanks, Otomi.  Joelbb
Posted 3 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
they say time will
kill the pain
i say pain is going kill my time

so funny
Posted 4 years ago by DunstanBurke    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

You should probably avoid any Rorschach tests if you want to be able to get any sleep.
 

Nothing offensive or disturbing to see here
Posted 4 years ago by cbhutchinson50    [ Reply ]
 layson921 wrote:
Maybe all that thought is what art is all about? 
Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
Looks like a sandstorm approaching, too.
 

Posted 4 years ago by 2Hawks    [ Reply ]
Maybe all that thought is what art is all about? 
Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 

Posted 4 years ago by layson921    [ Reply ]
Oh yeah Mr Harper ! That's good !!! I agree !
Posted 4 years ago by Dustwings    [ Reply ]
 drH wrote:
derivative, derivative, derivative
 

This word has no meaning in a musical context.  All music is derivative.
Posted 5 years ago by h8rhater    [ Reply ]
Hail, HAIL 1 great artist with integrity, and a most fine L.P !

P.S have yah ever seen and heard him shread the Lap slide "Live"
Posted 5 years ago by surfrider4life    [ Reply ]
Really nice.  Sadly, my admiration for his songwriting skills will forever be very slightly tempered by this line from his song Walk Away:

"But you put the "happy"
In my "ness"

OK Ben.
Posted 5 years ago by garyalex    [ Reply ]
 Proclivities wrote:

You should probably avoid any Rorschach tests if you want to be able to get any sleep.

 
{#Roflol}
Posted 6 years ago by markybx    [ Reply ]

Ben Harper is a bright shining light!


Posted 8 years ago by mardisoninnc    [ Reply ]

Of five excellent replies to Shasha2001's post, I vote for joelbb's.


Posted 8 years ago by Otomi    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
You should probably avoid any Rorschach tests if you want to be able to get any sleep.
Posted 9 years ago by Proclivities    [ Reply ]
Uh.... seems clear to me.

You know how pearls are made?  Sand/grit get stuck inside an oyster and they, in response, make a pearl to adorn our favorite gal's ears.  And?  You see the title of this album?  You didn't know how diamonds are made?  See, it all starts with a nekid lady in the desert....


That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 


Posted 11 years ago by Ballzak    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
  I hope Sasha is seeing professional care.{#Chillpill}


Posted 11 years ago by DeemerDave    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
Shame on you. Why the negativity? It could be taking a photo of a sexy day in the country, or maybe - god forbid - art! I actually think its a lovely image. 

Perhaps you need to wonder why you think in such a negative manner. 


Posted 11 years ago by SquiddlyDiddly    [ Reply ]
 Sasha2001 wrote:
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
 
She chewed and swallowed peyote buds until she threw up and now she's talking to Mescalito.  You can see his apparition right in front of her.
Posted 12 years ago by joelbb    [ Reply ]
That has to be one of the most disturbing album covers I've seen in a long time. Why is she kneeling on a desert road like that? Is she the unfortunate victim of mexican drug lords? Was she left behind following a botched human trafficking exchange? Did she forget her medication and wonder off into the wilderness? There are just too many horrible real-world scenarios keeping me from enjoying this photo (or the music).
Posted 12 years ago by Sasha2001    [ Reply ]
Beautiful photo...Ben is amazing.
Posted 13 years ago by bluecshells    [ Reply ]
 Groogrux69 wrote:
This is probably my favorite Ben Harper Album.  Most excellent.
 
this is probably my favorite Ben Harper song.  
Posted 13 years ago by dpvest    [ Reply ]
This is probably my favorite Ben Harper Album.  Most excellent.
Posted 13 years ago by Groogrux69    [ Reply ]
 Misterfixit wrote:
That looks like Laura on the cover photo ..

Dern, she's gotta nice back

 

Laura Dern is blonde, though.
Posted 13 years ago by SinisterDexter    [ Reply ]
 dBdwg wrote:
the naked lady cover makes me think he wasn't sure the music was going to be good nuf'
 
Not even close.  If you don't know Ben yet, you are missing out.

Posted 14 years ago by cohifi    [ Reply ]
the naked lady cover makes me think he wasn't sure the music was going to be good nuf'


Posted 14 years ago by dBdwg    [ Reply ]
Wicked drumming!!
Posted 15 years ago by Jelani    [ Reply ]
That looks like Laura on the cover photo ..

Dern, she's gotta nice back

Posted 15 years ago by Misterfixit    [ Reply ]
 RongoTBurg wrote:
Chris Whitley-esque guitar
 

Mixed with Prince's voice.

Me likey.  {#Smile}
Posted 16 years ago by coffee-eyes    [ Reply ]
Nice, Ben, but time to expand the envelope and push the limits.
Posted 16 years ago by nigelr    [ Reply ]
I actually think this is one of his best albums.  There are more than a few solid songs on this album that I think trully kick ass (ex. Bring the Funk).  Don't really care if there are a few people that could do without the Ben Harper, since you can't please everyone.  Keep playing the good tunes Bill.  RP is the best.
Posted 16 years ago by saltysanford    [ Reply ]
Got this a few years ago on a WXRT sampler. Groovin song.
Posted 16 years ago by Ahnyer_Keester    [ Reply ]
jaaaaaaaa Wolfsheim!!
Posted 16 years ago by physastro2050    [ Reply ]
Nice song but stop that thumping up and down!!!
Posted 16 years ago by mgkiwi    [ Reply ]
justin4kick wrote:
and is there a good reason why we only see her backside on the cover?
Yeah, because that's one hell of a backside.
Posted 16 years ago by underarmor    [ Reply ]
Cachatons wrote:
I thought of Curtis Mayfield.........oops just showed my age
uh no, anyone else - but Prince? ... sorry Ben.. honest.
Posted 17 years ago by MM_Oz    [ Reply ]
maxmox wrote:
I saw that person on the cover when I went to the beach yesterday; told her she is on the cover of an album by Ben Harper
and is there a good reason why we only see her backside on the cover?
Posted 17 years ago by justin4kick    [ Reply ]
mrrmt wrote:
This is ok for Ben Harper, not my favorite. But for some reason it really made me want to hear Prince. Something about his voice in this one.
I thought of Curtis Mayfield.........oops just showed my age
Posted 17 years ago by Cachatons    [ Reply ]
I saw that person on the cover when I went to the beach yesterday; told her she is on the cover of an album by Ben Harper
Posted 17 years ago by maxmox    [ Reply ]
Hmmmm . . . Ben, get out of my life! You're freaking me out here.
Posted 17 years ago by meydele    [ Reply ]
This is ok for Ben Harper, not my favorite. But for some reason it really made me want to hear Prince. Something about his voice in this one.
Posted 17 years ago by mrrmt    [ Reply ]
LennytheB wrote:
Had to go from a 6 to a 7 just for the album cover
indeed!!!
Posted 18 years ago by pyxxel    [ Reply ]
What? No banana emoticons?
Posted 18 years ago by jah_blessed    [ Reply ]
RongoTBurg wrote:
Chris Whitley-esque guitar
Made me look too.
Posted 18 years ago by Geecheeboy    [ Reply ]
Chris Whitley-esque guitar
Posted 18 years ago by RongoTBurg    [ Reply ]
Had to go from a 6 to a 7 just for the album cover
Posted 18 years ago by LennytheB    [ Reply ]
Dark_Globe wrote:
Ben Harper REALLY isn't my thing, but there is one things he's done that I LOVE: his cover of the Verve song "Drugs Don't Work"... Anybody else heard that? Like I said, Ben himself is not my thing, but that's a GREAT cover (almost better than the original).
what about the cover of his album? i love ben harper, although i havent heard much of the diamonds album. I love the cover art.
Posted 18 years ago by calray    [ Reply ]
Dark_Globe wrote:
Ben Harper REALLY isn't my thing, but there is one things he's done that I LOVE: his cover of the Verve song "Drugs Don't Work"... Anybody else heard that? Like I said, Ben himself is not my thing, but that's a GREAT cover (almost better than the original).
Same here. I don't have any of his stuff, but this song is certainly one of his best.
Posted 18 years ago by olsaltybastard    [ Reply ]
Ben Harper REALLY isn't my thing, but there is one things he's done that I LOVE: his cover of the Verve song "Drugs Don't Work"... Anybody else heard that? Like I said, Ben himself is not my thing, but that's a GREAT cover (almost better than the original).
Posted 19 years ago by Dark_Globe    [ Reply ]
Hmm. One thing about buying this album on iTunes is I don't get the cool album cover!
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
beatlechick wrote:
Not into Ben Folds, have a friend that loves him and tries to make me listen, but if he keeps sounding like a gospel-like Prince I'll have to rethink that. Very cool song.
umm...Ben Harper
Posted 19 years ago by ObsidianInfinity    [ Reply ]
Not into Ben Folds, have a friend that loves him and tries to make me listen, but if he keeps sounding like a gospel-like Prince I'll have to rethink that. Very cool song.
Posted 19 years ago by beatlechick    [ Reply ]
This is so poigniant for me at the moment I had better not rate this. #-o :footinmouth.gif: :-({|=
Posted 19 years ago by g1lgam3sh    [ Reply ]
I'm not a big fan of Ben Harper, but this song really grabbed me. The lyrics are right on and the melody is pleasantly unique.
Posted 19 years ago by mezzanine    [ Reply ]
This song speaks the god's honest truth!
Posted 19 years ago by JoJopugs    [ Reply ]
Very, very, very irritating.
Posted 19 years ago by ChicoCyclist    [ Reply ]
GROOVY... :sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by KMH    [ Reply ]
:nodhead: :goodvibes.gif: :sunny.gif:
Posted 19 years ago by crowhog2000    [ Reply ]
Ben Harper - one of the few American musicians to keep an eye on...
Posted 19 years ago by BoundersBooksSeller    [ Reply ]
Can do without this.....
Posted 19 years ago by stevo_b    [ Reply ]
NOTHING like prince. c'mon, when did prince ever do slide guitar blues?
Posted 19 years ago by bluedot    [ Reply ]
Pyro wrote:
Sounds in the beginning like he took singing lessons from Prince....whoops, should have read the previous posts.
...Ditto.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
WHOAH! He was * this close to PRINCE at the beginning there.
Posted 19 years ago by trekhead    [ Reply ]
i really thought this was tracy chapman! oops!
Posted 19 years ago by asparklinggirl    [ Reply ]
This is a great album.
Posted 19 years ago by Mugro    [ Reply ]
ArbiterOfGoodTaste wrote:
Agreed. Much better than most of his stuff. I've seen him live twice and couldn't help but fall asleep both times.
I suspect it was the contact high that put you to sleep, not the music.
Posted 19 years ago by mojoman    [ Reply ]
stripes wrote:
Sounds like Prince doing bluegrass...
Prince doing something, perhaps leading the church gang into blues worship and shout/shout, but certainly not doing bluegrass.
Posted 19 years ago by Dragonfly_Launch    [ Reply ]
Leslie wrote:
That's funny because I feel the opposite way. I usually don't care for his music but I kind of like this tune.
Agreed. Much better than most of his stuff. I've seen him live twice and couldn't help but fall asleep both times.
Posted 20 years ago by ArbiterOfGoodTaste    [ Reply ]
This is the first Harper I have heard that I like. Very nice.
Posted 20 years ago by mig7    [ Reply ]
Sounds in the beginning like he took singing lessons from Prince....whoops, should have read the previous posts.
Posted 20 years ago by Pyro    [ Reply ]
GregX59 wrote:
The clapping, stomping, and everything else going on is annoying and distracting. I'm starting to dislike this one.
Sorry, that was me ---- can't help it!
Posted 20 years ago by phineas    [ Reply ]
skindy wrote:
Blech. I usually like Ben Harper when I hear him on RP (the only place I ever hear him), but this song was like rubbing on a raw nerve. Don't like it. :(
That's funny because I feel the opposite way. I usually don't care for his music but I kind of like this tune.
Posted 20 years ago by Leslie    [ Reply ]
this song is growin' on me... .
Posted 20 years ago by traveyes    [ Reply ]
Can I please live as excited as he is in this song! Yes Ben, celebrate!!!!
Posted 20 years ago by littleblueriver7    [ Reply ]
oh, when it's good, it's so, so good. chair dancing emoticon inserted here.... and that's so, so, not so-so!!
Posted 20 years ago by nook    [ Reply ]
GregX59 wrote:
The clapping, stomping, and everything else going on is annoying and distracting. I'm starting to dislike this one.
I guess you've never been to a sing around the camp fire or a live show.
Posted 20 years ago by frednic    [ Reply ]
The clapping, stomping, and everything else going on is annoying and distracting. I'm starting to dislike this one.
Posted 20 years ago by GregX59    [ Reply ]
yep, my first thought--Prince, but not bluegrass but a solid gospel beat with a hue of rock!
Posted 20 years ago by rkelly7246    [ Reply ]
derivative, derivative, derivative
Posted 20 years ago by drH    [ Reply ]
Monkeysdad wrote:
My first thought also! I had to read the comments to see if anyone else had said the same.
The funny this is, this NEVER registers in my head as Ben Harper. I still keep hearing Prince doing Bluegrass.
Posted 20 years ago by stripes    [ Reply ]
Ben Harper is one of my new obsessions. Don't discount him just because of one song. That's never fair. 'Course I like this song...
Posted 20 years ago by soulspin    [ Reply ]
stripes wrote:
Sounds like Prince doing bluegrass...
My first thought also! I had to read the comments to see if anyone else had said the same.
Posted 20 years ago by Monkeysdad    [ Reply ]
Sounds like Prince doing bluegrass...
Posted 20 years ago by stripes    [ Reply ]
snowbug wrote:
Oy! I feel like I've really tried to like Ben Harper, and I just can't! I read the comments on him, I check out reviews, I have friends who try to convert me... No matter what, I just don't get it.
His lyrics are awesome.... the music composition is awesome... and this guy has the most amazing voice.... you should see him live and believe me you will be "converted"!!!
Posted 21 years ago by little_emma10800    [ Reply ]
yukko turn it off already geesh
Posted 21 years ago by jackmcdaid    [ Reply ]
Oy! I feel like I've really tried to like Ben Harper, and I just can't! I read the comments on him, I check out reviews, I have friends who try to convert me... No matter what, I just don't get it.
Posted 21 years ago by snowbug    [ Reply ]
Haven't heard a bad tune by this guy yet ! Outstanding
Posted 21 years ago by iggy33    [ Reply ]
very cool.. love the stomp beat in the background.. comes through the sub very nicely... :)
Posted 21 years ago by TreborG2    [ Reply ]
great pic!!!
Posted 21 years ago by Ziller    [ Reply ]
"They say time will kill the pain I say pain is gonna kill my time" great album from Ben
Posted 21 years ago by littleRoom    [ Reply ]
Posted 21 years ago by Althea    [ Reply ]
Blech. I usually like Ben Harper when I hear him on RP (the only place I ever hear him), but this song was like rubbing on a raw nerve. Don\'t like it. :roll: :(
Posted 21 years ago by skindy    [ Reply ]
Well, it\'s not that I don\'t like it... But it\'s not great. And absolutely not so good that Harper should get that much airplay...
Posted 21 years ago by nielsen    [ Reply ]
Awesome! I love you RP, for introducing me to so much great music. J
Posted 21 years ago by vorkosigan    [ Reply ]
Ben Harper...nuff said. If you\'ve eVER seen him live you\'ll understand the phenomenon!!! I have thanked God for the day I discovered Ben.. Thanks again for Ben!
Posted 21 years ago by gata420    [ Reply ]
Great beat
Posted 21 years ago by alanb    [ Reply ]
Oh ya its good Ben, damn good.
Posted 21 years ago by leathepea    [ Reply ]